H&J Smith Ltd Donates Iconic Christmas Decorations to Southland Hospital

Rudolph the red-nose reindeer will be leading Santa’s sleigh to a new home at Southland Hospital this festive season.
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Thanks to the wonderful generosity of the Smith family (H&J Smith Ltd department store) there will be a Christmas “wow” factor at the hospital this year and for many years to come.

The department stores former Santa Sleigh and Reindeers and along with six 2m Christmas trees, were installed at the hospital late on November 24.

More Christmas memorabilia will go into the Childrens Ward.

Dubbed “Operation Rudolph” a hospital committee comprising of engineers, building and maintenance, clinical staff and nurse leaders have worked with the department store staff to ensure the gifted items are displayed in a way that all of Southland can enjoy them.

It is a significant donation from the Invercargill store that closed on November 18 after 123 years of trading.

H&J Smith Ltd chief executive John Green is delighted that the spirit of Christmas synonymous with the store will continue.

“I can think of no better place for the sleigh and reindeer to be rehomed than the hospital with the prospect of bringing Christmas in the most visual way to families from across Southland.”

Hospital General Manager Simon Donlevy says, “We appreciate the generosity that has been shown and I’m sure the decorations will provide cheer at Christmas time for our patients and their whānau.”

Operation Rudolph committee member and hospital director of nursing Linda Ryan says receiving the store’s iconic sleigh and reindeers is special, especially to know it will bring cheer to everyone to see it once more and for years to come.

Nurse manager Lucy Prinsloo says being in a hospital at Christmas is no one’s idea of fun, but the memorabilia will bring joy and cheer.